New growth... What is it?

[nicki]

I have what I think is an encyclia (not too familar with them). It ran into some problems last year where I thought I'd loose it, twice. But it's hung in there. This spring I noticed something growing on one of the pbulbs. What is it?

[espranch]

That is either a new growth or a flower spike, and I doubt that it's a flower spike. By the way, I am very familar with encylias, and that large bulb looks dehydrated to me. Mine are plump, no wrinkles, and more round. Just my opinion...Betty

[nicki]

I can't get them to plump Last year in a matter of 24 hours most of the leaves turned black on this plant and one other. I cut all the bad off and sealed it. A little while later it happend again and even killed a new growth. I lost the other plant. Since then this one has pretty much been stable. I haven't seen any new root growth. And the ones it has aren't really healthy. Which is why I'm even shocked it's still around and has this new thing growing.

[espranch]

Well, Nicki, since I LOVE encyclias, I really think that you'd better carefully pack it up & send it to me! Seriously, If it were MY orchid, I'd first, give it a good soaking. Then I'd re-pot it with small fir bark, (60%) perlite (20%) and charcoal (20%) Why small fir bark, you might ask...small because MOST encyclias have thin roots. A week after repotting, water with a diluted fertilizer. Keep doing this for a couple more weeks. I think you'll see a welcome change in your orchid. Oh...I'd keep it in bright light, but NO SUN. They like a fair amount of humidity, also. Hope this helps...Betty :-)

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Looks like new growth to me, not a spike. Give it a few days and see what happens.

cheers,
BD

[nicki]

I'll give it till the end of the month before I do anything to it BD. I'm heading on vacation in a couple days to FL. I might pick up some orchids down there and maybe Betty I'll just have to send it your way so I can have more room I would LOVE to see this thing happy, healthy and bloomed.

The care I've been giving it...
It gets bright light or at least I think it's bright. In the evenings it does get hit a little with direct sun as it starts to set. Humidity is always above 50%. Varies as high as the 80's% I water my orchids once a week with rain water. Varying with different fertilizers, epsom & an occasional touch of superthrive. I spray the new growth daily. Fan runs some of the day. In the future I'm going to start incorporating other mixes when watering... fish emulsion, seaweed extract, alcohol...

[espranch]

It sounds as if you're doing great by your encyclia...At this point I don't know "WHAT" could be wrong! I know you're just kidding...but if you DO want to send it to me, I'd be glad to see if I can get it to thrive. ( then I'd send it back to you! ) Have a great vacation...Betty :-)